Typographical machine.



n. s. KENNEDY.

TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED Auehz. 1914.

1,136,537- Patented Apr. 20, 1915,

1' {mimics-sum 1.

THE NORRIS PETERS CO" FHOTOLITHOU WASHINGTON}. D. C-

n. s. KENNEDY TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.21, 1914.

Patented Apr.20,1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

, rill Jun; lrllvd w I WW E THE NORRIS PETERS 60.. PHOTD-LITHO. WASHINGTDN. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DAVID S. KENNEDY, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

Application filed August 21, 1914. Serial No. 857,810.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, DAVID S. KENNEDY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Typographical Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention relates to typographical machines, such as linotype machines of the general organization represented in U. S. Letters Patent No. 436,532, to O. Mergenthaler, wherein circulating matrices are released from a magazine in the order in which their characters are to appear in print, and then assembled in line, the composed line transferred to the face of a mold, the mold filled with molten metal to form a slug or linotype against the matrices which produce the type characters thereon, and the matrices thereafter returned through distributing mechanism to the magazine from which they started. More specifically, it relates to machines of this kind, when equipped with means for reversing the matrices during assemblage, and for again reversing them when necessary prior to distribution, as shown for instance in U. S. Letters Patent to Holbourns and Longhurst, No. 951,948, or in my previous application for Letters Patent, filed February 21, 1914, Serial No. 820,194, wherein the matrices thus dealt with are formed with intaglio characters in their opposite edges, or such as are known in the art as J anus-faced matrices. In the present instance, I propose to improve the distributing mechanism, and one of my principal purposes is to establish suitable intervals be-' tween the matrices so as to prevent their coming into contact with each other and thus clogging.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown my invention in preferred form and by way of example, and as applied to the style of machine mentioned, but obviously many changes and variations may be made therein, and in its mode of application, which will still be comprised within its spirit. Similarly it may be adapted to other forms of typographical machines, such as type setters, type casters, and the like, which handle type or dies, instead of matrices.

Generally speaking, I desire it to be understood that I do not limit myself to any speclfic form or embodiment, except in so far as such limitations are specified in the claims.

Referring to the drawings: Figure l is a rear view, partly broken away, of a portion of the distributing mechanism with my improyements embodied therein; Fig. 2 is a similar detail view on enlarged scale; Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the parts in different position; Fig. 5 is a detached perspective of the lifting finger and cooperating parts; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic detail; and Fig. 7 illustrates the matrix, etc., both in reversed and unreversed position.

The means for releasing the matrices from the magazine and delivering them to the assembler, for transferring the composed line to the justification and casting mechanism, and for subsequently elevating the matrices, are or may be substantially the same as presented in the previously mentioned Letters Patent or application, and in themselves constitute no part of my present invention.

After the matrices X are raised to the upper part of the machine, they are shifted in the usual manner into the distributer box B, from which they are individually delivered to the further distributing mechanism by the lifting device or finger C, which is pivotally connected to the end of the actuating lever C, and is normally pressed against the foremost matrix in the line by the spring C The lever C is actuated in synchronism with the distributer screws, and so that the matrices will be delivered to the successive threads thereof, all in the manner well understood by those skilled in the art.

As the matrices are moved yieldingly forward to bring the extreme one over and in position to be engaged by the reciprocating finger C, the advance of the line is temporarily checked by the contact of the matrix ears with the rail abutment B, and the matrices are individually separated from the line and delivered to the customary grooved distributing rail or bar D (only partly shown in Fig. 1) along which they are caused to travel by the distributer screws D.

As shown in Fig. 7, the matrices X are formed with intaglio characters in both their edges, and also with a notch X in their lower edges designed to cooperate with the separating or distributing bridges E.

The construction of the bar D and of the devices cooperating therewith is such as to effect the separation of the reversed matrices from those unreversed, after which further means are employed to effect the rereversal of the former, so that all will be restored to the magazine in their original position. The bar I) is formed with two toothed or grooved portions separated by the plain or untoothed portion D substantially in the manner presented in my former application. Immediately beneath the untoothed portion D is located the bridge E (Fig. 7) formed with the upwardly projecting portion E, which is so, located as to register with the notches X, when the matrices are unreversed, and to stand beneath their lower edges when they are reversed. As the matrices pass along the bar D, they become disengaged therefrom at the untoothed portion D At this point the unreversed mat-. rices drop from the bar because of the registry of the notches X with the bridge E; whereas the reversed matrices are sustained by the bridge until they are brought into engagement with the further toothed portion of the bar D, in substantially the man'- ner described in my saidapplication. Then the unreversed matrices pass from the bar, their ears fall upon and are supported by the projecting pieces B located in proper position to receive and temporarily sustain them. Immediately beneath the end of the projections 13 is located the mouth of the plain tube L for the unreversed or normal matrices, and at a farther point is located the mouth of the rifled or reversing tube M for the reversed matrices.

As the unreversed matrices on the projections B and the reversed matrices on the second toothed portion of the bar D are engaged by the threads of the screws D, they are shifted laterally until they clear their respective supports, when the unreversed matrices pass off the projections B into and through the plain tube L, and the reversed matrices fall from the bar D into and through the rifled tube M which acts to rereverse them during their passage. The lower ends of the tubes L and M converge, and the matrices in passing therethrough and all of them in their original and normal position, are delivered to the regular distributer box N, and from it by the lifting finger N to the ordinary distributing mechanism N whereby they are restored to their proper channels in the magazine in the manner well understood in the art. In order to prevent the simultaneous passage of matrices from both the tubes L and M, and their consequent piling up or clogging in or before they arrive at thebox N, I have devised a special mechanism, which is one of the principal features of my presthereby the matrices are delivered to the bar D at an increased interval. By way of illustration, I have shown an arrangement whereby, when an unreversed matrix is followed by one reversed, or vice versa, an interval or space of five turns or convolutions 0f the screw thread is established between them. 7

As best shown in Fig. 5, immediately in front of the lifting finger C and beneath the advancing line of matrices'i), is located the transverse shaft F, which is formed with two oppositely projecting fingers F and F so located upon the shaft that they correspond respectively to the position of the notches X of the matrices in their unreversed and reversed conditions. It will be seen, due to their projection in opposite directions, that one only is in operative position at a time, and that it will permit the passage of matrices whose notches register therewith, but will be engaged by matrices in the other position, in the latter circumstances the advance of the line serving to turn the shaft upon which the finger is mounted. The shaft is also provided with a cam F so located as to engage an arm of the lifting finger C, in such manner that when the shaft is turned, the finger will be moved about its pivot anda-gainst the force of the spring C so as to shift it out of operative relation to the leading matrix and thus render its next ascent idle. Fig. 2 shows the parts in normal relations, with the finger'G acting under the leading matrix to deliver it, while Fig. 4 shows the finger moved latterally by the cam F 3 and out of operative position.

In order to establish the definite interval desired, in the present instance five spaces on the screws D, I fix a ratchet wheel G on the end of the shaft F, and mount its actuating pawl H on the reciprocating arm 7C,

a sprin H and fixed in II servin toe P e hold the pawl in proper position. Referring to Fig. 6, it will be noted thatthe ratchet wheel G is formed with two sets of teeth G and G each set having five teeth, and that the two sets are separated by two circumferential intervals G of greater extent than the distance between the teeth. The

normal position of the parts is that indicated in Fig. 6, with the efiective end of the pawl H in relation to one of the said intervals G and so that when the pawl rises it does not engage a tooth but leaves the wheel stationary.

The operation of the mechanism will now be clearly understood. When the parts are acting normally, the succeeding matrices are delivered individually to consecutive turns of the distributer screws, provided that they are all in the same condition, namely all reversed or all unreversed. This is permitted by the registry of the operative finger F or F with the notches X. However, if the conditions change, as when a reversed matrix is followed by one unreversed, or Vice versa, the finger is acted upon by the succeeding matrix and the shaft F turned to an extent sufficient to bring a tooth such as G of the ratchet wheel G into operative relation to the pawl H, and so that when the latter rises, the ratchet and the shaft will be partially rotated thereby, and the consequent action of the cam F on the yielding delivery finger C will throw the latter out of engagging relation to the matrix (Fig. 4). This action will continue until the pawl H has acted on all five teeth G of the set, and until the following interval G is brought into proximity to the pawl, when the action ceases. In other words, the finger C will be held by the cam out of operation for five reciprocations, the cam being so formed and located as to permit the restoration of the finger C to operative position at this time. As the arm C is actuated in synchronism with the distributor screws D, it will be seen that the five idle movements of the finger C establishes an interval of five turns of the screws between succeeding matrices in different position, this extent of interval having been selected as sufiicient to permit vthe separation and delivery of all preceding matrices, and thus insuring the clearance of the parts so that the succeeding matrices may be delivered to the distributer box N without liability to interference or clogging.

As previously stated, I have shown my improvements in preferred form and by way of example, and as applied to a specific style of machine, but obviously many modifications and alterations therein, and in their mode of adaptation will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, without departure from the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, its" construction and mode ofoperation, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of distributing mechanism, means for delivering the type or matrices individually thereto, and means for causing the delivery of succeeding type or matrices irrespective of their thickness at shorter or longer intervals according to whether they are reversed or unreversed with relation to each other.

2. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of distributing mechanism, means for delivering the type or matrices individually thereto, and means whereby succeeding type or matrices irrespective of their thickness will permit or prevent the delivery action of said means according to whether they are reversed or unreversed with relation to each other.

3. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, and means to permit or prevent the detachment of succeeding type or matrices irrespective of their thickness at successive operations of said device according to Whether they are reversed or unreversed with relation to each other.

a. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, and means whereby a reversed type or matrix irrespective of its thickness will render said device inactive.

5. In a mechanism of the class described,

'the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, and means whereby a type or matrix irrespective of its thickness reversed in position with relation to a preceding type or matrix will render said device momentarily inactive.

6. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, means for holding said device out of active position, said means being controlled by a type or matrix irrespective of its thickness reversed in position with relation to a preceding type or matrix, and automatic means for releasing said holding-means at a predetermined interval.

7 In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matricesindividually from the line, means for holding said device out of active position, said means being controlled by a type or matrix reversed in position with relation to a preceding type or matrix, and

automatic means for disengaging said holding-means after the detaching device has completed a plurality of operations.

8. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, means for holding said device out of active position, said means being controlled by a type .or matrix irrespective of its thickness reversed in position with relation to a preceding type or matrix, and means controlled by the detaching device to disengage the holding-means.

9. In a mechanism of the class described,

the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, means for holding said device out of active position, said means being controlled by a type or matrix reversed in position with relation to a preceding type or matrix, and means whereby the detaching device will disengage the holding-means after it has completed a plurality of operations.

10. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, and means for rendering said device momentarily inactive, said means comprising a rotary cam, a shaft upon which it is mounted, and a pair of fingers also mounted on the shaft and adapted to be engaged alternately by reversed and unreversed matrices in the line.

11. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices each having a notch in its lower end, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, and means for rendering said device momentarily inactive, the said means comprising a rotary cam, a shaft upon which it is mounted, and a pair of fingers also mounted on the shaft and adapted to be moved alternately into the path of the advancing line, the said fingers being so located that one will be engaged by reversed matrices in the line and cleared by unreversed matrices, and the other engaged by unreversed matrices in the line and cleared by reversed matrices, all as shown and described.

12. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of the composed line of type or matrices, the device G for detaching the type or matrices individually from the line, the rotary cam F for moving said device to inactive position, the shaft F upon which the cam is mounted, the fingers F, F also mounted upon the shaft and adapted to be engaged alternately by reversed and unreversed type or matrices, the toothed wheel G fast on the shaft, and the pawl H for 14. In a mechanism of the class described,

the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually therefrom, means for holding the detaching device in inactive position, and means for disengaging said holding means at a given interval, the said 7 disengaging means being distinct from and operated by the detaching device.

15. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device'to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, and rotary means controlled by the type or matrices irrespective of their thickness for rendering said device momentarily inactive.

16. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually fromthe line, a rotary cam for moving said device to and holding it in inactive position, and means controlled by the type or matrices for efi'ecting the rotation of the cam. V

17. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach the type or matrices individually from the line, a rotary cam for moving said device to and holding it in inactive position, means controlled by the type or matrices for efiecting a partial rotation of the cam, and additional means the combination of'a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach them individually from the line, and means for ren dering said device momentarily inactive, said means being controlled by'a type or matrix prior to its detachment from the line.

20. In a typographical machine, the combination of a composed line of type or matrices, a device to detach them individually from the line, means for rendering said device momentarily inactive, said means being controlled by the leading type or matrix in In testimony whereof, I have afiixed my the line prior to its detachment therefrom, signature in presence of two Witnesses.

and automatic means for subsequently ren- DAVID S. KENNEDY. dering the detaching device active after a Witnesses:

5 given interval to permit the detachment of HAROLD A. BURT,

the leading type or matrix. CHARLES F. ERICKSEN.

Copies 0! this patent may he obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 0. 

